For Every Dumbarton Fan

Statement – Brabco Plans for DFC Stadium Re-Location

Last week without formal notice to the Sonstrust, Brabco, the owner of Dumbarton Football Club issued a press release giving the latest update on their plans to attempt to re-locate the club’s stadium – a project that’s been ongoing for a number of years.

Our response, on behalf of our members is as follows :

The Sonstrust, the registered cooperative society that brings Dumbarton fans together, is urging the club’s supporters to play an active role in scrutinising the latest stadium move plans.

Simon Barrow, the trust’s communications and projects manager, said: “It is now over three years since the stadium move was properly mooted, and two years since the last formal pre-planning application in November 2014.

“We have monitored events closely since then and have talked directly both to the developers and to the club. We will be mobilising supporters and friends in the local community to attend the forthcoming public consultation and to make their views known on the latest ideas.

“Our concern all along has been to ensure that anything that is done regarding a new stadium is demonstrably in the bests interests of the club, the supporters and the community.

“As well as ensuring that the planning process is clear and transparent, we want to be clear that there is secure finance and a solid business case underpinning this proposed development.

“We also want to make sure that the financial liability involved does not fall on the club, as we have previously been assured, and that there will be no interim ground-share involved if the development goes ahead. In addition, we will be asking for direct representation of supporters in plans moving forward.”